Mommy Moments

**Submitted as part of 5 Minutes for Mom Mother's Day photo contest...


After 2-1/2 years of being a Mommy, I often find myself still amazed that I am a mom. Most of the time, I'm not sure how we've managed to make it this far. And now that there are 2 kids under my care?! Well, let's just say I'm winging it!

BUT then there are the moments I like to call "Mommy Moments." The times when I really feel like a Mommy. Times when I feel like I know what I'm doing. When things feel natural and "right."

New Year's Day was one of those moments. There was tons of snow on the ground that day, and Jeff really wanted to take Emma outside. So after a quick trip to the store for some snow boots, I bundled Emma up and sent her out to play with her Daddy. She was so excited, and I just loved watching them make snow angels and stomp through the snow hills. I think Emma face-planted into the snow a half-dozen times -- and she loved every minute of it!



But then I saw my baby's cheeks getting rosy, and I knew it was time to come in. So I peeked my head out the door, and told Emma to come in and warm up, and I'd make her some chicken noodle soup.



After shedding the layers, I bundled her up on the couch with some warm (rice) milk while I made her soup. When it was ready, she came to her chair, but the soup was too hot. Remembering my mom's trick, I got an ice cube out of the freezer and put it in her soup to cool it down. It was ready to eat in no time. There was such a wonderful peace inside me when Emma took that first slurp of soup and smiled at me with her rosy cheeks. All felt right with the world.

The only thing missing? Hot chocolate. But not to worry, I finally got around to ordering these, so Miss Emma may get a treat before this cold weather leaves us for good.

Any other Mommy Moments out there?

Fashion Friday: Dressed for a King

Here's our little doll on her baptism day. Although I love the simplicity of the dress (thanks, Grammie!), I have to admit the little shoes are my favorite part of the outfit. Emma wore the same outfit, so it has real sentimental value. Jeff's mom had both their names and baptism dates embroidered on the slip, which makes it even more special. (Don't worry, there's room on the back IF there is ever a third girl... ;)



Of course, the dress has nothing to do with the point of the whole day... the day we placed our beautiful little girl into her Father's care, promising to teach her all about the love and peace only our Lord and King can offer. It is an honor to do that, and I pray she will truly become the "woman who loves her Maker" that our family friend sang about on her special day.

In all seriousness, God doesn't care what we wear, as long as we come to Him with pure hearts. In fact, He prefers that we bare our souls -- not hide behind the masks the world makes us feel like we have to wear. That's the best part about God -- He loves and accepts us as we are -- broken, battered, and ugly. He understands that we question and doubt. Unfortunately, it is our nature. The good news is that He loves us anyway. And He forgives us.

My prayer is that as Kendall comes to the age of understanding, she dresses herself in His righteousness and lives her life knowing that He will protect her and love her no matter how many times she questions. In the end, His love covers all. It is enough.

Let's Talk About It: Polite Introductions

Emma's latest little quirk is that she politely makes sure you know everyone in the room. Once Kendall was born, she quickly decided that it was her job to present her to you: "This is my sister, Kendall," she would say, as she stretched out her right arm.

Now the introductions have extended to Grandmas and Grandpas, Aunts and Uncles, and anyone else she thinks you might not know. She also considers the fact that you may have forgotten who you met last time, so she does this every time someone enters our home or if we arrive at a destination first. I think my Mom has "met" Kendall at least two dozen times!

Fashion Friday: My Sweethearts

Let's Talk About It: In Check

Today, Emma and I are having our usual chase and catch game (aka: getting dressed!), and in an effort to get out the door, I sternly ask her to sit on the stairs so I can put on her snow boots.

She does, but then adds, "Don't be crabby, Mom."

And you know what, she was right.

Fashion Friday: e is for energy!

*UPDATE: For those of you who asked, the shirt was a gift, but I know it was from The Red Balloon. Kendall actually has the "K," but we'll have to wait a few months before she fits into it! :)

Thank you, Lord...

...that I have two kids sleeping now AT THE SAME TIME. Even if it is only for 20 minutes.

The perfect opportunity to get a little work done. Or eat a meal. Or get some sleep.


(Or watch last night's American Idol... :o)

Let's Talk About It: Clothes

Mommy: Okay Emma, it's time to get dressed.

Emma: Pink pants, Mommy.

M: No, those don't match your shirt. Let's put on your jeans.

E: No jeans Mommy! Comfy pink pants!!!

M: We can wear those pants for nap. Right now, you can wear your jeans.

E: No, I'm not.

M: Um, excuse me. Yes you are.

E: (Rolls around on the ground as if her life has just ended.) No, I'm not!



I'll let you all imagine how the rest of the conversation went... :o)

Thanks 'Bampa!

While most men were excited to watch "the Big Game" yesterday, Emma's "Bampa" (my dad) was just as excited to built his first granddaughter a snow fort. A few weeks ago, he promised her he would build her the best fort ever when it snowed again. Well, after a snow-filled Friday and Saturday, we got the call that Sunday was going to be The Day.

I'd say he more than outdid himself. He was out there for over an hour on Sunday making the hugest mound ever, and then came over this morning to dig it all out.





As you can see, Emma can stand in it!


The man is totally butter around her. Anything for his "pretty girl, Emma."

Fashion Friday: Mommy's Favorite Jammies

Here they both are, wearing my favorite hot pink velvet pjs.




Emma (top) is only 6 weeks old, whereas Kendall (bottom) is 13 weeks, but oh well. At least I have a photo of each of them!

Let's Talk About It: Love

One of my favorite things about Emma's age is the random acts of love I get on a daily basis. As hard as she plays, she is also quite the lover. Giving kisses and hugs comes very naturally to her. I especially love it when she gives Kendall that intense look of love where she just wants to squeeze her to death. She grits her teeth together and hugs her tight -- sometimes too tight! -- saying, "I love you so much!"


This past week, she did two things that really melted my heart:

I am washing dishes and she is nicely playing with her doll house and "peoples." Out of nowhere, she comes up to me and says, "Mom, you are my best friend" and gives my leg a big squeeze.

We are sitting at the table, finishing lunch, and she says to me, "Mommy, I love Jesus so much."

Could I be any prouder?

Fashion Friday: True Joy

...is hearing your daughter giggle at you for the first time.

Let's Talk About It Tuesday: Close Enough

Emma blows me away daily with all that she says correctly -- she even gets her pronouns correct most of the time -- but there are some things that I refuse to correct her on, simply because I am not ready for my baby to grow up.

A few examples...

"Hold You!" -- Her way of asking me to hold her, although she has corrected herself a few times lately :(

"Applepines" -- Pineapples! This one just makes me smile all day.

"Bapes" -- Grapes. This has become a family favorite.

"Momiter" -- Monitor. As in the one that tells us Kendall has woken up from her fifth 10-minute nap of the day.


And then there are the times when Jeff and I just look at each other in disbelief that we are holding complete conversations with our very opinionated 2 year old.

One example from this week...

E: "Mommy, I want to watch TV."

M: "You already watched Mickey Mouse this morning."

E: "How 'bout a little bit TV?"

M: "Why don't you sit next to Daddy and watch football?"

E: "No, Mommy. That's not a great idea."

Fashion Friday: Not So Casual Friday

My little career women... :o)



One is definitely a happier worker than the other...






*I made the Friday deadline with 12 minutes to spare!*

Let's Talk About It...

So my little Emma is quite the talker. No surprise there. But one of my favorite things lately is when we sit down for lunch or for a potty break and she says, "Mommy, let's talk about it."

That is her adorable way of starting a conversation. I then say, "What do you want to talk about?" The usual responses include Noah, Adam & Eve, Mary, or Einsteins. I am then required to tell specified story with the opening phrase, "One day..."

In honor of this cute little quirk, I think I'm going to start Let's Talk About It Tuesdays. Yes, I realize it is Thursday (and most of you won't read this until Friday), but I have been sick all week and well, I'm a little behind.

Anyway, this will be my way of sharing (and remembering) all of the funny things Emma says as she becomes her own little person.

Here are a few of the latest:

She is done with lunch and wants her fruit, but I am nursing Kendall and inform her she is going to have to wait a few minutes. She then slams her hand on the table and exclaims, "This is ridiculous!"

I am sad that she has peed a little bit in her pull-up diaper (a whole other story). In an effort to make me happy, she looks at me lovingly, strokes my cheek and softly says, "Happy New Year, Mommy."

It is a busy Saturday morning in the Bonnema home -- Emma and Kendall are both crying -- so Jeff suggests I stay upstairs and feed Kendall while he brings Emma downstairs. Emma agrees and says, "Mommy, just sit on the bed and relax, chill out, and don't talk anymore." This is word for word by the way!


Oh yes, this is going to be fun...

Fashion Friday: When she dresses herself....

10 Weeks too fast...

My Sweet Kendall,

Let me start off this letter by apologizing that this letter is so very late. As a second child, I was so determined to treat you the same as Emma, but I am human. I have been trying to write something for the last 2 weeks, but being a mom of two is hard work. The good news is that Emma never got a 10 week and 4 day letter, so you can't say you aren't getting some special treatment of your own! ;)

These last 2 months have certainly been different than expected. We had a little bit of a rough start, but that didn't seem to bother you at all. You were quite a trooper and thoroughly enjoyed every ounce of alone time with your Mommy those first 11 days. As hard as that first week and a half was, I am extremely grateful that we got to know each other in a way most moms don't ever get to know their second baby. God definitely turned a bad situation into a very good bonding time for us.



Since we've been home, you share a lot of your Mommy time with big sister Emma, but we still have our moments alone. You are the cuddler I prayed for, especially at night. There have only been a handful of nights you haven't slept with me for at least a few hours, and to be honest, I am enjoying every minute. I admit that I don't want it to go on forever -- I miss your Daddy after all! -- but for now, I know all too well how quickly you grow up. You also like your sling, which has been a lifesaver for me. It's the only way I can take care of both you and your sister!



Speaking of your sister, you are very accepting of her and her sometimes "rough love." Emma truly loves you so much that she doesn't understand that squeezing you as hard as possible and laying on top of you to give you a hug might hurt a little. But you tolerate it, and you always seem to smile when she is around.



You have been smiling since you were 6 weeks old, revealing the adorable little dimple on your right cheek. I admit that I always wanted my children to have dimples, and I got one! It only makes your cute little face that much cuter! I simply have to smile at you or say your name, and your whole face lights up. This, of course, makes my face light up too!







Already you are showing me your personality. You are VERY sensitive and have a very sad cry when you haven't been held for a while or when a noise is too loud or too harsh. I accidentally scared you once, and you cried for what felt like forever! You like to be talked to and would rather hold onto my finger than suck on a binkie. You love warm baths, and you enjoy your diaper changes a lot. I think touch might be your love language!



Unfortunately, you have been given the same yucky tummy as your sister, so Mommy is on a pretty strict nursing diet. In addition to dairy and soy, I am also staying away from gluten, corn, egg, peanut and tomato. That leaves little to eat for now, but I'm hoping that changes as you and your tummy mature.

You do, however, like to nurse much more than your sister ever did. Most of the time, we have nice, relaxing feedings that are pretty textbook. I am really enjoying every minute...which is why the diet is so worth it. You are so worth it!

You also seem to have a pretty bad case of silent reflux, so you have a hard time sleeping on your back. Until your medication starts helping, you sleep in your swing or on Mommy (and sometimes Daddy). It's a good thing your sister taught me how to sleep sitting straight up!





While you seem to be more calm than your sister in many ways, you have been rolling over since 6 weeks and have a grasp to be reckoned with. You love to use your hands, and in the past week, you seem to have discovered them. I often catch you with fists clenched tight in the air, or you are grabbing or holding on to something -- especially my hair.



It has been so much fun watching you develop these past few months, but it is going way too fast. I am trying to savor every moment, remembering that you will be 2 years old before I know it.


Miss Kendall, words can't express how much I love you. You are my little sweetheart, and God has carved a very special place for you in my heart. I am more complete now that you are a part of my life.

Fashion Friday: Cousins

*Please ignore my photo program's crappy red eye job!*

Fashion Friday: The Family that Dances Together...

See our latest family picture:

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1367723358
(It might take a second to load.)



I couldn't resist, and boy did I need it after the week I've had! Thanks to my great friend Jen for the link.

TGIF!!!!!!!!

Fashion Friday: Night Owl

It's nights like last 2 nights that make me understand why God made babies so adorable. Especially at 3am, when we both feel like this:



I have to say the onesie only adds to the cuteness. Although I'm wondering if I should blame Mama C-ta for the whole life imitating art thing... ;)

The Scoop

I am so sorry I haven't posted. I kept wanting to give you guys the whole labor story and the drama that followed, but that would involve time...something I have yet to find in my attempt to mother two children! :o) Therefore, you'll get the quick summary for now. I plan to write down the details for myself eventually, but at this rate, that will be next year!

Anyway, yes, Amanda, I am alive ;o) and actually doing much much better. As some of you may know, you can't really get rid of a blood clot; you have to wait for your body to absorb it. But I am on a blood thinner for the next 5 months to prevent the clot in my lung from getting bigger. I was getting my blood checked twice a week to make sure it was at the right consistency, but now my levels are more stable, so as of this week, we are attempting checking it once every other week. Yeah!

Another reason I didn't post was because there was actually more drama that followed the blood clot drama. As you may have noticed from my post, I ended up staying in the hospital a little longer than planned. The day before they hoped I would be able to go home, I developed a large hematoma in my left uterine wall that was EXTREMELY painful. As in I'd rather have 5 kids without drugs than go through this pain again. At one point, I was on two Vicodin pills, they doubled up on my morphine IV, and I was still in pain. They finally gave me Demerol (yes all at the same time) and then, well, all was well with the world... :o)

The pain of the hematoma kept me on my back for a few days and was preventing me from peeing on my own. So in went a catheter and LOTs of pain meds.

They usually do surgery and drain the hematoma, but they couldn't do
that for me because of the blood thinner. If I went into surgery, I could hemmorhage, which would obviously not be a good thing. So the hope was that my body would absorb the hematoma. They prepared me for emergency surgery in the event that it got bigger, but thankfully, that never happened. But, I had to stay in the hospital until I could walk and pee on my own again. And deal with the pain. That's why I got home late Monday night instead of Friday.

The real blessing was that Miss Kendall was able to stay with me the whole time. The nurses took great care of her and ensured that she was fed on demand. The doctors assured me all the meds I was on were safe for nursing Kendall, so I was able to breastfeed the whole time. Because I wasn't able to sit up for a while, we mastered the lying down feeding position -- something I could never get quite right with Emma. I have to say feeding Kendall was the only thing that kept me sane during those 11 VERY long days.

I'm not sure I'm ready to write about the emotional impact of all of this just yet, but I have to say that being away from Emma was by far the worst part of it all. Half of my heart was so overjoyed to have Kendall in my life, but the other half was so very broken that I couldn't see my first baby. The one I spend every second of the day with. The one who understood enough to miss and cry out for me, but wasn't old enough to understand that I didn't leave her for good. Some day I'll be ready to write more, but for now, let's just say my heart is still on the mend. And I think hers is a little bit too.

The hematoma still hasn't gone away, but the pain is decreasing every day. And according to my OB appointment yesterday, it is finally getting smaller! It's about 1/4 the size it was 5 weeks ago, so hopefully in a few more weeks it will be completely gone.

They've done tests and concluded that the blood clot was a "fluke" of pregnancy, meaning that nothing in my blood or genetic makeup makes me prone to clots. It was just the increased estrogen levels and the pressure in my pelvic area. They assume a clot formed in the pelvic region, and then after delivery, popped up into my lung. Also, believe it or not, the blood thinner is what caused the hematoma. I felt like I couldn't win!

I do realize how very blessed I am that they caught it -- and that I am alive today -- but if I'm going to be honest, the whole thing still seems more like nuisance than anything. Yes, God did protect me and answered the MANY prayers that went up for me, but it is a strange feeling to have such a fuss made over you. But more on all that later.

Anyway, Miss Kendall is doing great, although her tummy seems even more sensitive than Emma's -- but at least I'm prepared this time. And Emma is adjusting fairly well. She was pretty shaken up with me being gone for so long, so it took us a while to get back on track, but we're getting there. I have my good days and bad days, but I know I'll eventually find my Mommy groove again. For now, I sit in awe of you women with three and four children. How do you do it???

So that's the scoop for now. I realize this doesn't seem like a "quick summary," but there is so much more I could write! Hopefully I can start posting more often. Poor Kendall is already getting treated like a second child...she's almost 6 weeks old and I have yet to write her one-month letter!

Rule Number One...

Never promise to do anything when you have a newborn. It just doesn't happen...

Sorry for lack of updates. Maybe later this week??? :o)

Fashion Friday: Lazy Day

Here are my girls in their "lounging" outfits. (I thought I'd spare you mine...)

I decided to "keep it real" by showing a Fashion Friday that is a little more the norm for us than Emma's fixed hair and purty outfits.

Here is Miss Kendall looking oh so serious...




And then there's Emma. Don't these pink PJs of hers just crack you up?? :)



Have a nice, relaxing weekend everyone!

*P.S. Promise to post an update this weekend on the labor, the "complications," etc.*

Two Peas in a Pod

We're Home!

So much to explain, but pretty darn tired. But I am home. Kendall is home. And we are a family of four under one roof...finally!

Thank you all so much for your prayers. I'll fill you in soon. Praise God for answered prayers!

Introducing Kendall Faith

More pictures to come!

Baby Kendall is here!

Hello everyone.. it's Lisa's husband Jeff. To start off everyone is fine and doing well. We had a baby girl Friday morning which most of you already know. Her name is Kendall Faith, she was born at 7:23am, 7 pounds 10 ounces, and 21 1/4 long..and she is absolutely gorgeous! Mom and Kendall were fantastic through the whole delivery process. Unfortunately, there were complications afterwards.

Lisa had felt woozy on Saturday afternoon and decided to tell the nurse. Between Lisa's low HR through the delivery and the feeling woozy they decided to run some tests of her heart and lung areas. The Doctors noticed extra fluid around Lisa's heart and decided to do a Cat Scan of her chest area. They found a small acute blood clot in her lower right part of the lung. She was immediately transferred to the CCU Intensive Care unit of the hospital and was put on blood thinners. After a long night and even longer Sunday with the help of the nurses(our angels) we were able to move Lisa back down to the OB floor to be with Kendall.

Lisa and Kendall will be in the hospital until Friday evening. I'm sure she will update you then. I'll try to pst some pictures tomorrow evening of Kendall and her sister.

On our way...

to the hospital! Let's hope it's for real this time!!! ;)

39 Weeks and Still Cookin'

Whirlwind

The last few days have been a bit of a blur, so I'll keep this short. First, no baby. And thank goodness for that! I've never appreciated God's timing more than I have the last few days.

Emma's suspected UTI turned into days of high fevers, a bad case of croup, and borderline dehydration. She wouldn't eat or drink, and sleep has been the last thing thing on our minds. Between lukewarm baths, cold rags, scary coughing fits and vomiting, and 2 days of feeding her liquids through a syringe to avoid IVs, I am pooped.

Her temps reached 104, and on Sunday, we had to WORK to keep it at 102. We've been to the doctor twice and the hospital twice, but thankfully, blood work revealed no underlying infections and adequate hydration. Thanks to Jeff literally forcing liquid into her body, we've managed to keep her out of the hospital for an extended period of time. (By the way, she doesn't have a UTI either!)

Needless to say, I am so happy Baby #2 has decided to stay put. Funny how your priorities quickly change! It is exhausting having my first baby attached to me EVERY second and wanting to be held and carried EVERYWHERE, but I am so happy I have been able to take care of her and focus on getting her well.

What's even better is that after a wonderful 2-hour nap yesterday, Emma turned a corner, and it looks like we are on the way to recovery. She is starting to pee more often and even drink on her own (a little). She even ate a fruit cup and a few handfuls of scrambled egg last night.

And she slept great last night. She only woke up about 4 times, which is MUCH better than every 45 minutes to an hour. Plus, one time was to go pee! That means I also got some sleep, which has made such a difference. I feel pretty darn good for 6:30am.

Well, that's the scoop, and that's why there was no Model Monday. Thank you all for checking in, and I'm sorry if I kept you hanging for a few days. I am convinced more than ever now that God's timing is perfect...always.

Why do we even question?!

Sorry, no pushing...

Just a really, really bad day. Been to the OB twice today, only to find out nothing has really changed. Then took Emma to her doctor for a possible urinary tract infection (after ZERO nap today!), but it seems she only has some sort of rash.

Feeling extremely sorry for myself, so I'll spare you all the complaining. But I figured after all of your nice comments (thank you!), you deserved an update. I promise not to give you any more "teaser" posts until I'm sure we are heading to the hospital!

Now I'm off to eat another sleeve of Fig Newtons. Have a great weekend everyone! I'll be sure to post a Model Monday to make up for today's missed Fashion Friday.

Trying not to get all excited, but...

I've been getting Braxton Hicks all day, after several days of absolutely nothing. Of course, this could all go away, but I kinda wonder if we're getting there...

I have a doctor's appt. first thing tomorrow morning (8am), so I guess I'll know if anything has progressed. Until then, a prayer would be helpful. I'm definitely at the "I'm done" stage!

Happy Birthday Sweetie!

Happy Birthday to the most amazing father, loving husband, and caring best friend any woman could ask for. I love you to the moon and back!

Fashion Friday: The Big Day

Unfortunately, I didn't really have time to snap any good photos of Emma at the wedding, but my brother's girlfriend managed a few. I'm hoping my sister's photographer got some smiling poses, but we'll have to wait and see!







This is hard work!


Hangin' with Pop-pop



The Beautiful Bride


Emma's Hot Grandma!
(She's going to kill me, but I couldn't resist. Isn't she hot?!)

The Big Tease

So nothing much going on here. In fact, I'm starting to wonder if it really will be another 3 weeks. Besides lots of Braxton Hicks and feeling like the baby is about to fall out, there is really no sign that this baby is anxious to come out. Yes, I'm totally hormonal and exhausted, but hey, I'm 9 months pregnant. And for now, I'm trying to enjoy every day and not think ahead too much.

I'll leave you with some fun hospital photos of our adventures this weekend. Hopefully the next time, it will be the real deal!

False Alarm!


Time to go home...

Labor Update

So I'm still in false labor. Went to the doctor today, and nothing has changed. Still 2-cm dilated, and my cervix is pretty high. My plug is definitely gone.

Only mild cramping today and no real contractions. So we wait. Doctor said not to be surprised if I go in the next day or two, or in the next two weeks. Not quite what I wanted to hear, but I appreciate his honesty.

The good news is that I am now 37 weeks, which means I can resume normal activity and not worry about "pushing" it. If the baby comes, it comes. So at least I can stay busy while I wait.

Stay tuned. Hopefully I can post some photos of the wedding tomorrow. Maybe I'll even throw a hospital shot in there. But for now, folks, I'm going to bed!

Where do I start?

Well, it's been a very exciting weekend for us to say the least. Not even sure where to start.

I guess with Miss Emma. She did in fact go down the aisle. Well, more like sprinted down the aisle, but she made it down. Once she was holding my hand, I thought we were okay. But then she saw beautiful Auntie Jenni coming down the aisle with Pop-pop, and thought it would be appropriate to meet her half way and give her a huge hug, all the while yelling, "Auntie Nenni!!!" I can laugh now, but at the time I was totally cringing inside. Everyone, of course, thought it was so cute/funny, and thank goodness my sister was such a good sport.

After that, Emma sprinted out the back door to my mother-in-law, who graciously kept her out while she ran around outside. She did peek in once, only to yell, "Mommy, what 'cha doin'?" and then ran back in again to walk down the aisle with me at the very end.

So we made it. Not quite the "slow slow" walk we've been practicing for weeks, or the methodical petal throwing I was sure we had down. But the girl is 2, and she is Emma. So we take what we can get. She looked adorable, which was really her main job!

The rest of the night was a blast. Emma hung out with my sister-in-law and was totally overtired by the time 8:00pm approached, so I kept her busy while my in-laws threw food down their throats and took her to our hotel. Apparently she went down okay for my mom-in-law, but was up around 5am. At least that's what I was told. I wasn't exactly there to greet her when she woke up. Nope...I was at the hospital.

So, I'll save you all the reading to tell you there is no baby. Yet. But I am 2-cm dilated and 70-percent effaced, and have a million signs that this baby is coming SOON. I have lost my mucous plug and my contractions have been on and off for 2 days now. But let's get back to the hospital...

I admit that at the wedding, I may have overdid it a tad. Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE to dance and it was my sister's wedding. After all the stress of everything, it felt good to let loose. Still, a couple of times my body was telling me to chill, and sometimes I listened. But sometimes the song was just too good to pass up!

Anyway, I felt fine until around 1 am at the hotel, when I started getting mild contractions. At first, I wasn't sure what they were. With Emma, I had the menstrual cramps and contractions throughout the day, but then my water broke and there was NO mistaking that I was in labor. This was different.

Once they started getting regular and my legs started getting shaky, I knew it was time to call the doctor. My brother's girlfriend pulled Jeff from the after-party in the hotel lobby, and I have to say he immediately went into "go" mode. The doctor wanted me to go to the hospital to get monitored because of my fast delivery with Emma. So off we went, after a very long week. (At least my hair was done, and I had pretty toes!)

Once we got there, my contractions were pretty regular and getting stronger. They checked me, and determined I was 2-cm dilated and about 50-percent effaced, so they kept me for monitoring. For the next few hours, I contracted about every 2 minutes. I really thought this was it. And so did my sister. She was all upset and didn't want to go on her honeymoon. It was so sweet, but after MUCH convincing, she went. She hated it, but she went.

After about 4 hours, they checked me again, and I only effaced a little bit more. Jeff and I were then ordered to walk around for an hour. So there we were: pregnant lady with fancy hair, tired eyes (with fake eyelashes!), and flip flops, escorted by a very handsome man in a tux. We hadn't slept for 24+ hours.

Anyway, I'll speed this up a bit. After our walking, my contractions started to spread out and eventually stopped. I stayed for monitoring for a few more hours, while Jeff went to the hotel, picked up Emma, and got her situated at home. I wanted to go home so bad, but Jeff and the nurse thought it was best for me to get some rest and eat, and be at the hospital just in case the contractions started up again.

Jeff came back to the hospital around 12:30 pm, and we left shortly thereafter. I thought for sure we'd be back that night. But here we are, 2 days later and still no baby. It's fine with me -- we're still a day short of 37 weeks -- but the waiting is driving me a little crazy. I know, I know, I'm not even close to my due date, but when I'm getting contractions every 3 minutes for 45 minutes straight, and then they just stop, it gets annoying. Especially as I try to figure out what to do with Emma and rush to get everything ready around here for our new little one.

After I lost my mucous plug yesterday morning, the doctor and I thought we were on our way. But again, here I am. Sure, it's 5:30am and I feel like making a lasagna and I woke up with menstrual cramps, but at this point, I don't know what to think. Either way, the doctor wants to see me today and check me out. I was supposed to see him on Friday morning before the wedding, but he had a delivery, so I only saw a nurse. Wonder what my internal would have revealed...

I have to give a HUGE thanks to my wonderful family, who were unbelievable this weekend. We are so blessed. So thank you first to my mom- and dad-in-law, who took care of Emma during the entire wedding and after; to my brother and his girlfriend for watching Emma and getting no sleep as we went to the hospital; and to my mom and dad for basically "standing by" the last few days as we wait for our peanut to arrive. And, of course, to my sister and new brother-in-law for being so understanding about my two very unpredictable kids!

So that's we're we are at. Say some prayers for us, and the next post just might be announcing our newest addition. Or it might just be me complaining. We'll just have to wait and see!